Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

December 15, 2008 · Comments

networkThis post is somewhat inspired by a thought Jeff Pulver tossed out as an aside at his Social Media Jungle prototype in Long Island a few weeks ago. Hat tip to you, Jeff.

Jeff Pulver said this: “We’re making our own dial tone.” In such a typical Jeff Pulver way, he tossed out a little idea that had been bouncing around his head, but that he hasn’t rolled into any particular context yet, so I’m going to run with it. I’ve got an idea that came to me tonight about Twitter (amongst other social networks), and I’m going to share it with you: take that dial tone idea and build your own network. We’re sitting on something because we’re still in the “gee whiz” mode. Let me explain.

Where We Falter – Solo Efforts Versus Scale

I asked Twitter tonight about what people were working on for goals. Several people had remarkably similar goals, including, sadly, the fact that several of them were looking for work. 2008 is the easy year compared to what 2009 is going to be. I saw the same thing passing through everyone’s stream, and I saw connectivity that would be missed. And that’s when it stuck me. I tweeted this:

Do you realize there are thousands of great minds all plugged into the same conversation who could help each other with your goals? Activate

The trick is this- don’t make me or anyone the hub. Lead. Find your groups. Reach out. Set group goals. Execute. Move to a new group. Fluid.

You see, you’re all out there. You’ve got goals, you’ve got needs, you’ve got sources of information, and you have the tools to connect it all. You’ve got every piece of a network except for the directors.

So, what if you had the templates to building a small but powerful network? Here’s my starting ideas on this. I’ll talk in somewhat technical terms, but I promise this has everything to do with the human elements. I hope it sparks something in you. More so, I hope you run with it.

Build a Small Powerful Network

  1. First, think about your goals in 2009. Build the network with two purposes on mind: how you can achieve your goals, and how you can help others achieve theirs.
  2. You need authentication in a network. Start with a blog as a home base. Make it such that your about page tells people lots about you.
  3. It doesn’t hurt to have a picture of YOU on the blog, as this will deal with building a trusted network.
  4. Start a Google Doc spreadsheet with the following fields: name, twitter ID, cell, capabilities, notes. Think of this as your routing table, your database of records of where resources reside.
  5. Ask some probing questions on Twitter. If no one responds, ask again. See if there’s interest out there. What you’re doing at this point is sending out a signal that you’re looking for resources. (Like a computer, only you’re human.)
  6. Use Twitter Search to find some like-minded people. Work at this. Try all different kinds of queries until you find the right response.
  7. Send @ messages to these types of people. Ask them if they want to talk about collaborating.
  8. Invite them to your document, if you want. Let them share the resources. Get them into the mix.
  9. From here, collaborate. Figure out how you can helpful. Understand each other’s needs, and share the resources. Try to build your goals and businesses together.

It’s not exactly simple. But to me, it’s all there. You build the mechanisms (very simple ones), and you go after the goals together. You can feed it. You can encourage the edge points of the network (the other people) to be their own hub. You can build out more capabilities.

Scribbles from The Sidebar

What if you thought of these small networks in terms of games? Games have goals. They have a point. What if you set goals and points to these networks? What if you went at this network-building and empowerment as something very active, instead of using tools like Twitter as another place to chat?

In 2009, you need your networks. It is not a solo act. I need mine, too. And I plan to do exactly what I’ve laid out here.

Does it make sense? Can you see this as a template for how you might start getting your goals met for 2009? Are you planning to ally and make new relationships? What do you think?

Photo credit, Jared

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  • Chris, nice post. Looks like these steps can help build a core group of followers. I'm using tweetdeck to segregate real contacts from the pool.
  • Yes, and read The Future of Work: http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/b...
  • Very interesting your thoughts on this. I sort of realized the same thing, albeit in different words. I have already set out to do this, and am now tweaking my own practice based on what you wrote.

    Thanks for re-affirming something I felt strongly about. These words you use are easy to understand and follow if, and it's a big IF, people can take their ego out of Twitter and stop focusing on how many followers, and more on who is following and how are you communicating to them. Very sage advice.
  • This is genius, Chris! I have been using Twitter with a vague idea of connecting with people that could help me, and that I could help. This outline can start incredibly powerful alliances within Twitter, and accomplish so much, for so many people.

    I have been thinking about becoming more connected with the people I've met on Twitter, and learning specifically what their needs are and how I can help. With a little more planning on my part, and thanks to this post, I know I can do it.

    Thanks Chris, you've blown me away again. :)

    Kimberlee
  • Chris, you are truly remarkable...and your thought is so well presented.

    I've been trying to figure out a way of creating the connection and I now I have a possible way to set it up. It's always been about how I can join with those who follow me, and how we can work to mutual partnerships.

    Communicate and connect.
    Karrie Ross
  • Terrific advice and perfect timing for our little ice cream co. Thank you.
  • Jamie
    Thank you for the insight. I believe that I may have to do this I have been procrastinating on doing this but in combination with your past blog about the OLD journalists and the NEW media type things. I believe that this is the way to go and I know that you have to build a brand. I have been trying to build one I just have been afraid too and I guess I am built on the OLD school ways of doing things. Even though I was a journalist back in the 90s I still hold those ways in my heart.

    I do believe in the power of the network and I do believe in learning how to utilize the network to the best of my ability. So thank you for the information.
  • Chris, this is a nice blueprint and the first one I have seen that gives a step-by-step that anyone can duplicate given the same amount of enthusiasm and diligence you project. the analogy with the routing table and sending a signal i.e. ping is perfect. I have been looking at ways that Twitter can help my clients and this is a good place to start.

    Re: #5 - i wrote about my experience in asking questions to followers. I get the impression that the number of responses is directly related to the street cred of the person asking the question. A good way to get responses is to get a RT from more well known tweeters and then follow up with an @ message to the responders.
  • Chris, Excellent post. Using a very similar approach, I've been able to enjoy meeting wonderful people on Biznik, LinkedIn and Twitter. There are even a few interesting projects coming out of those connections.

    From what I've observed, people appear to want a servant-leader to get things rolling. Being willing to step into a facilitative or leadership role within your network(s) to the benefit of the members of your network can have a powerful impact. I'm still learning, but it seems to be true online or offline.
  • Well said. Easy to follow guide to achieve your goal. Thanks for great article like this.
  • Chris, timing on this is pretty cool. In my own way this is something I'm working on with respect to a charitable initiative with food banks...

    I'm sure you'll have no problem at all building your network into a powerful force...

    Cheers,
    Walter
  • This is an excellent blueprint for building a network online, but PLEASE do not forget the power of meeting with people nose-to-nose! Ultimately, a good network is based on good relationships. Yes you can build them online, I know I have. Just don't forget that low-tech can be effective as well!
  • doug buckley
    This is genius, Chris! This is exactly the kind of advice I need. Thank you.
  • Great ideas Chris, you are a legend. Time to get some action as well getting connected. Looks like many people are looking for more leverage from their online networks. We are on the cusp!
  • Thanks for the post Christ. I literally just signed up for Twitter today and launched my blog two days ago, so all of this is a little new to me as an author. But, I am already hooked. I started by adding some people from my LinkedIn network to twitter and I am already getting some responses–exciting!

    These kinds of posts are really inspirational for guys like me that are late adopters. Thanks!
  • This is great to read and to know - I have been using Twitter with a vague idea of connecting with people that could help me, but the replies are unfortunately, very rare
  • Haha @ my typo above. Sorry, I meant to say Chris. I must have been in especially thankful mood!
  • CJ
    Excellent post. I think Mervyn and Eric Cole pointed it out: there is very little difference between offline and online here (as with so many things) - online is just a tool and a very powerful one. However, what most people will want is an apparently able, confident and seemingly knowlegable leader providing the template and the existing "street cred" of that leader will often be the key.
  • It strikes me that there could be a lot of value in having the record of the network you build in this way stored on LinkedIn instead of through a blog and Google Doc. For one thing, LinkedIn provides deep understanding of each person's experience- taking your suggestion of includeing picture and building out a thorough about page. Then you could invite people from your network to collaborate and share the list you build out together. This could lead to people being far more liberal in who they accept as LinkedIn connections as well (something I'm in favor of in any case).
  • Chris,
    My first visit to your writings and of course I will now follow your work. You've hit
    on exactly what we discussed tonight in Conference - the ability to reach out and actually connect with like minded people doing business online. The simple plan
    you laid out so very easy to use. We must just do it. Thank you.
  • interesting point. Got me thinking: I am on twitter, even though I have no clear goals there. On the other hand, I also have a linkedin account, but never actively use it. I have some friends who chose not to be on twitter but are very active on linkedin, because they see it to have an objective unlike twitter as they see as fluff.

    Maybe this is a way to turn twitter into a resource with a tangible goal.
  • Chris- Thanks for the nice motivational post. You got me thinking about my 2009 goals, which I had not given any thought to this year. The S.M.A.R.T. goal approach (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) is a good way to approach this challenge but your spin gives this process a fresh perspective. THANKS!
  • Mark Cooper
    Great insight
  • The search tool for twitter is great and lets you connect with people around topic you are interested in. Twellow also does a great job connecting people. I also found ask500 as a great tool to connect and have conversations with people. You ask a question, get comments, start a conversation.
  • Great post. Twitter's search tool is awesome.. you might also want to look into FriendFeed. It's a huge searchable database of social buzz, discussions and groups. Personally, I think this is the way to go. Loners will eventually be left behind and forgotten, like in the "real world".
  • Chris,

    As someone just starting, this is completely invaluable. Thanks for the great post!
  • The web is just a bunch of tools to communicate. That's it. No magic.
    What you decide to do with it, that's the magic.
    If you could communicate value to your ideal client, what would you say?
    If you could respond to the needs of your ideal client, what would you hear?
    if you could be both awesome at something and fill a need for someone else, how would your business relationship evolve.

    Stop trying to please 1000 people and communicate your authentic value to 5 people that you have an affinity with by listening and understanding their needs, and matching your gifts.

    In a recent podcast with you Chris, we chatted about the need to bridge the digital divide. Here are thousands of people who get it. Have high speed internet and know how to communicate with it.
    On the other side of the divide are hundreds of thousands of people who don't get it!

    Why might they want to get it, and how could you help them?

    Dollars will follow.

    cheers,
    @toddlucier
  • To me it looks like a lot of the succeeding steps to thinking of your 2009 goals are almost a natural extension of that step. Because when you set a focus and a purpose to your actions, you might need to realize that in order to achieve it all, not only are lifestyle changes necessary (a la new years resolution) but we need to change the way we perceive and the way we work with online networking platforms.

    Developing more meaningful relationships online, reaching out to people, helping others, and working together... It's no secret anymore that this is the way to work these days and to accomplish your goals.
  • Hey Chris - this very thing happened to me twice this weekend - and will culminate in a collaborative ebook and a collaborative teleseminar. I agree that there is so much opportunity - especially on Twitter. Keep your eyes and ears open. PURSUE. The potential is mind boggling. Thanks, as always, for all that you share.
  • Hi Chris,

    Hey thanks for the post!

    That is a great idea to connect the community for assisting each other before the 'turnaround'. I much prefer the long-view of our current situation, ie "we have been here before and survived' mentality. The mainstream media would have us believe that everyone is losing their jobs, but in actuality, many segments are still hiring!

    How about sharing our skills with the twitter-verse, who may have a position open at their company that would be ideal for a person with your skills?

    The power of the tweet is awesome and easy!

    Respectfully,

    Nicholas Chase - 'the video guy' at BlogWorld Expo
  • This post is huge for me. Thank you so much for sharing! I forwarded it to my husband as I am new on twitter and was trying to explain the power of it to him this morning (although it was 5am and he didn't have his coffee yet). I showed him a few youtube vids. I am trying to figure out how it could apply to our industry (real estate and mortgage) in this time of troubles.
  • Woody Lewis
    Excellent post, Chris. I'm already following you and subscribe to your feed. I've been in the Web space since its commercial beginning in late '94, seen a lot of things, was on the edge for the dot-com explosion, survived it, etc. The energy around social networking, and in particular the recent Twitter surge, reminds me of the good old days, except the tools are so much more sophisticated. Your template will become a best practice and a case study for many.

    All best,

    Woody Lewis
  • Kevin L
    Some awesome ideas. I would love to be part of this.
  • Great idea. Once your network starts taking shape and you need a bit more structure you can think about using www.webjam.com in which you can integrate your twitter and friendfeeds. It can evolve from a simple blog with these two RSS's into it to a full fledge branded social network. Check out http://www.webjam.com/chickerino/
  • Hi Chris

    I have been following your blog for a few months now and your Tweets for a few weeks.

    I really loved the last post on networking and this article as well.

    My business went under at the turn of spring/fall this year and, rather too late, I tried to salvage something of a network out of the remains. The outcome has grown into my new business which I hope will really take off in 2009.

    I have plans to allow members of the public membership in order that enterprise members may be able to communicate directly with them, or vice versa. Another idea that I had is to add a jobs page where members can list jobs available and jobs sought. The main platform for this will be the forums I expect, with myself, or another member of the team posting these to the main site.

    The ideas that you have set out are excellent and can only improve our plans were we to implement them, which I'm sure we will given time. Networking takes up all of my time now as it is the crux of my business. That along with most of the other admin stuff that I have to contend with.

    I hope that this is OK with you, that I add this link to my comment and apologise in advance if I am being somewhat presumptious. However my networking web-site can be found at http://www.fullworxnetworking.co.uk

    Thanks for the excellent advice, hints and tips that you give away so freely, yours is truly an excellent service.

    Forever Grateful

    Alec G Bell
  • ...as I catch up to what you've shown me so far, you pitch the next steps and just as I need them. I've been tasked with creating a multi-person leadership team platform across the social media space and your shared spreadsheet idea will be most useful and needed to capture a sense the value developing within the emerging network as it emerges to our team members in various locales.
  • I like this as it gives a formula to help track a group mindset. Basically this is done with just at replies and DM 's and for some people things like tweetdeck. I am even more haphazard. But what I really like about your document idea is that it is like white board or netmeeting on steroids.
    THANX
  • Chris, great post! I'm not exactly sure what my goals are at this point, but I think I can use this. I listened to a Seth Godin teleconference a few weeks back where he talked about his Tribes theory and this post is a great compliment to those ideas. Muchos Gracias.
  • Oh, YES, this was just the nudge I needed to start putting together a directory of folks in my field (academic matchmaking, okay, college counseling) who are active in a social media kind of way.

    Yet ANOTHER project that will keep my fingers on the keyboard over the upcoming "break."

    But too great NOT to do.

    Thanks as always for your positive, "you can do this" attitude, as well as your nuts and bolts "howto" tips.
  • Great post Chris! I am glad I've found it!
    I have just started a documentary about the Brazilian snowboarders and our story, based on Youtube for research and a blog for the interactive screenplay.
    I guess I need to add the twitter portion now ;)
    Anyway, congratulations on your idea, I believe your thoughts are in tune with how we should deal with the new reality on Planet Earth.

    Cheers,

    Leo, from Rio
  • Once again, Chris, another brilliant blog post. The suggestions, "What if you set goals and points to these networks? What if you went at this network-building and empowerment as something very active, instead of using tools like Twitter as another place to chat?" I use, off your recommendation, the search feature for Twitter.com. And, it's marvelous. It reminds of Google.com, but only more human, more interconnected with the masses. Thoughts, ideas, concepts, recommendations all put on by "we the people."

    Your point on, "The trick is this- don’t make me or anyone the hub. Lead. Find your groups. Reach out. Set group goals. Execute. Move to a new group. Fluid." Exactly, don't follow, execute, lead and be the Director.

    Cheers from Portland, Oregon
    @davidcmolina
  • Excellent! I was just tweaking my goals list for 2009. This gives me another set of goggles with which to view my list. Thanks.

    blessings,
    Wendy
    Twitter: WendyMerritt
  • Fabulous post that I have been directed to twice on twitter now! I didn't even know about google docs so even just discovering that has been great to give me more flexibility on being able to access info on the move! I definitely connect with what you say about building connection with people - I am already having great fun and reconnecting with a few people I met in twitter in other places - phone, linked in, facebook/.CLaire
  • Thanks for this post. The analogy to a computerised network really helped me wrap my head around what I need to do for my projects next year. I might not be using Twitter overly much for it in favour of other methods, but it's more the big-picture process that's become clearer to me.
  • Great post! I'm new to the Twitter world and in major information gathering mode so this piece was particularly helpful.
  • Hi Chris,
    Just forgot to say that I found you thanks to Allen @centernetworks
    Cheers!

    Leo
  • Chris,

    This approach makes a lot of sense and takes us back to the fundamentals. In short, the key is developing reciprocally benefiting relationships.

    Matt
  • This is quite an interesting approach. I'm looking for a great team for a long time. Maybe this is the way to go. I'll definitely try it.

    ty!
  • I remember clearly when you said - "Do you realize there are thousands of great minds all plugged into the same conversation who could help each other with your goals? Activate" I responded - where can I find these people and you'd said right here. I really believed the people I was looking for could be found somewhere on social media, but I was starting to have serious doubts. Then you said - "The trick is this- don’t make me or anyone the hub. Lead. Find your groups. Reach out. Set group goals. Execute. Move to a new group. Fluid." I realized that I needed to do something, just wasn't sure how to go about it. So this post was right on target for me.

    I set out to take action and tweeted appeals for others to join me and started a FriendFeed Room (http://friendfeed.com/rooms/twitter-connect), and did have a few people join the room, but since have had no dialog or conversation and nobody responds to my appeals to activate the things on this Template. Maybe I need to regroup and try something else to get participation? Maybe starting up a Ning group would work. I also wonder - do people quickly move on to the next thing and forget about it? I feel like I'm floundering around aimlessly and don't know how to make this work by myself.
  • Chris, thanks for taking this idea, transmuting it into concrete steps, and then articulating it so well. Wow! In yet another example of synchronicity, I was working through a lesson from Michelle Vandepas this morning on identifying a support structure for you divine purpose. And I had bookmarked your article to come back to later... that being today!

    Thanks for sharing!
    Ria
  • Like Jannifer, I'm unsure how to go about building a network that benefits both parties; i.e., those I connect with and myself. I have a blog, I tweet when I have time, and I have profiles on both Facebook and LinkedIn. I can't devote all my time and energy to building my "profiles". C'mon, I work full time! ;)

    Does your niche play a large role in how successful you are at building a network? I've often thought that my niche is not the best for creating relationships, let alone a business. Is there a point when you just sit down and say, "I'm wasting my time. Should I try something else?"

    I understand it takes time. I get that impression from everyone here as well as from Chris. I have taken it all to heart and have begun reviewing my goals for the new year. Google Doc has been created. Now I need to start making new connections.
  • @Jannifer and @Andrew,

    I suggest that you both post your goals in a comment here and then we (the community of readers on Chris Brogran's blog) can see if we can help you! Perhaps, if we understand your needs better, then we can help you accomplish your goals and maybe you can help us accomplish ours.

    Matt
    http://webstartupgroup.com
    P.S. We are currently building a small powerful network at WebStartupGroup.com
  • @Matt (and anyone else that would like to chime in)

    I'm interested in hearing your take on my question regarding niches and the role it plays in building a network. My niche is cars. There's definitely a treasure chest of car sites out there, thus my difficulty at generating traffic. It's difficult to compete. Since my niche is so overdone, is building a network based on it pointless? It goes to my earlier question as well, "Am I wasting my time?"

    Or is the size of the niche insignificant because you don't need a network of thousands to help you accomplish your goals?
  • @Andrew,

    Hopefully others will chime in, too... but, here are my thoughts...

    I think your niche is too broad (at least the way you described it is). As you yourself say "there are a treasure chest of car sites out there" --- this is completely true. You want to separate yourself from the pack. What can you hone in on that perhaps isn't receiving as much coverage? Somehow, it sounds like to me you need to narrow your scope.

    I just went to your site, and it appears you have some great content (e.g., nice pictures, clean layout, nice entries). After looking at your site, it appears you could definitely benefit by finding some fellow car-lovers to help build your community (and you theirs). You might ask them to guest post on your blog or offer to guest post on their blog.

    In summary, define more specifically what your focus is and then reach out to other people that share your passion about cars. Lastly, if cars is your passion, then you aren't wasting your time and there is money to be made in that area.

    Lastly, if you (or anyone else) would like to post a short blog entry sharing your successes and failures of building community around your blog, we would love to hear it at on our blog WebStartupGroup.com where we discuss these issues.
  • Thanks for this informative post, Chris. You've given me lots of marketing fuel for 2009.
  • Chris - you have taken Networking 101 and translated it for twitter/web 2.0. Which says to me: We're at the end of Twitter-as-a-phenomenon and at the start of Twitter-as-a-tool to actually get things done. The torch is passed!
  • Thank you for writing this Chris!
    This post provides some nice actionable steps I've had around the idea of building your personal network. I've already shared this post with a few folks and am working on building up my network too!

    I've sometimes thought that one's network is like a whole operating system for accomplishing the things you want to do in life - except it's wonderfully powered by people, kind of like a hive mind, but without the creepy overtones.

    "Community As Your Operating System" is a post I wrote about it:
    http://www.memeshift.com/2008/11/17/community-a...
  • I ALWAYS LOVE to see real examples or 'how-tos' like you listed here Chris. For me, it does exactly what I think you want it to do - make me think of how I can use it, what I can do, how I can adapt/modify it to work for me or my org.

    As i think about it i believe this sort of effort takes some lead time or time up front where you are active and involved ... for me it's helped to shape my thinking on what i want to get out of using the tools, how i want to build my network, who the key folks are i need to link up with, etc ...

    http://twitter.com/frasnswaa
  • JasonWong
    I think it's too late I read your post, hopr you can also give some advices for 2010.
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